BREAKING NEWS

DL-B hires Medalen

The former Bishop Ryan athletic director and multi-sport coach will take on a number of roles at DL-B, where he taught and coached for 13 years before spending the last nine at the Minot Catholic school.

Medalen and DL-B superintendent Clarke Ranum confirmed the hire Saturday. Medalen, whose contract begins Monday, will be the athletic director, dean of students and assistant to the principal. Ranum will serve as the school’s principal this year.

“When all was said and done, that was the best opportunity, the closest opportunity and the best fit for our family right now,” Medalen said.

Ryan fired Medalen from his roles as athletic director and boys basketball coach in February. At the time, the school declined to elaborate on the dismissal.

Ranum said the school board was pleased with Medalen and eager to see him return.

“Scott was really impressive in the interview,” Ranum said. “The board liked what he said and how he said it. When he left Des Lacs, he was really well thought of and respected. We’ve heard nothing but good things.”

Medalen has more than 300 wins in this 20-year career in basketball. In his first stint at DL-B he coached the girls program and the baseball team. DL-B has no openings for head coaching positions. Medalen said he is focused on his new roles, but would like to coach again.

“If there would be (a position) this year it would be sub-varsity and that’s fine too,” he said. “You miss that part of being around the kids after school.”

Medalen is not expected to teach this year. He was pleased to see many familiar names still on the faculty and staff.

“Hoping to slide in there, blend in and work with a strong tradition they’ve had academically and athletically,” Medalen said.

DL-B plays in the same district as Ryan, which allowed Medalen to stay familiar with the Lakers.

“I like where those programs are at,” he said. “I don’t think any of those are floundering by any means. Gonna work as closely with our head coaches as I can. I don’t need to come in there and reinvent the wheel. We’ll see where I can be of assistance and help. I think there’s a lot of things they can help me out with too. I’m not coming in to be their boss. We all need to work together to make it go smoothly.”

Ranum is replacing former acting-principal Andrew Gilbertson, who took a job outside of the school district. Gilbertson was the acting-principal for the late Karen Groninger. Groninger passed away in June after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Tim Chapman covers Minot High School athletics. Follow him on Twitter @Chapmatp.